The 2014 Ford Edge is a sleek, 2-row crossover SUV that does just about everything right. Stylistically, the Edge stands apart from most SUVs with an aggressive front end, and massive wheel and tire options. Its electronic audio and communication equipment is on the cutting edge, and its engine options range from two proven V6s to a turbocharged 4-cylinder capable of delivering V6-like performance at 30 miles per gallon highway. Equally appealing is the Edge’s interior, which can comfortably accommodate four adults (five in a pinch) and is nicely styled with quality materials throughout. It also has the available what is system, which includes an exclusive high-tech dashboard with a touchscreen and a configurable instrument cluster. Unfortunately, if you need a third-row seat, you’re out of luck. But Ford has two other vehicles to fulfill that need: the Explorer and the Flex.
Autotrader’s Advice:
When it comes to the best combination of features, price and performance, we give the nod to the value-packed SEL trim with available all-wheel drive. If you don’t need all-wheel drive, consider the SEL with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
What We Like:
Original styling; numerous high-tech electronic goodies; wide range of engine and trim choices; good fuel economy with EcoBoost.
What We Don’t:
Sparsely equipped base model; limited rear visibility; MyFord Touch might be too complex for some.
Original MSRP:
$28,995-$41,240 (when new).
MPG:
All Edge models except the Sport come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 285 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, with an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 19 mpg city/27 mpg hwy (18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy on all-wheel-drive models). The Sport steps up to a 3.7-liter V6 rated at 305 hp and 280 lb-ft. Fuel economy checks in at 19 mpg city/26 mpg hwy with front-wheel drive and 17 mpg city/23 mpg hwy with all-wheel drive. Optional on non-Sport models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder — EcoBoost, in Ford’s parlance — that puts out 240 hp and 270 lb-ft and returns an impressive 21 mpg city/30 mpg hwy. Front-wheel drive is mandatory with EcoBoost.
Standard Features & Options:
The 2014 Ford Edge is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels. Options, depending on trim level, include a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest displays. Some standard features on upper trims can be added to lesser models for additional cost.
The entry-level SE starts with 17-inch wheels, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, manually reclining rear seats and a basic, 6-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input.
The
2014 Ford Edge SEL adds 18-in wheels, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, the SecuriCode keypad security system, the SYNC voice-command system with Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary controls, a power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, Ford’s trademark EasyFold folding rear seatbacks and satellite radio.
The
2014 Ford Edge Limited tacks on 18-in chrome wheels, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, driver memory functions, LED interior lighting, the high-tech MyFord Touch interface with its unique dashboard layout, leather upholstery, heated front seats with power passenger adjustments and a premium 390-watt Sony sound system with a subwoofer, two USB ports, an SD-card reader and HD radio.
The
2014 Ford Edge Sport is equipped similarly to the Limited but gets the more powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, more aggressive headlight and taillight styling, a blacked-out grille, 22-in wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and the Blind Spot Information System, which alerts the driver to vehicles in the car’s blind spot. Also available is Ford’s MyKey, which includes an earlier low-fuel warning light and allows parents to set limits on Edge’s top speed (80 miles per hour) and radio volume. The Edge didn’t knock the government’s socks off in official crash-testing, garnering a 4-star rating overall (out of a possible five) that included a subpar 3-star performance for frontal impacts.
Behind the Wheel:
Front-seat occupants in the Edge enjoy excellent support for their legs and lower back, while rear-seat passengers can recline their seats for a comfortable siesta on long drives. Headroom and legroom are generous both front and rear, although with the rear seatbacks in their upmost position, taller occupants may find their heads brushing up against the headliner. From the driver’s vantage point, the most notable interior feature is the available MyFord Touch system, which provides a central 8-in touchscreen and customizable LCD display screens flanking the speedometer. Combined with the SYNC voice-command system, MyFord Touch is a technological powerhouse, but the complexity of its menus and operation may turn off no-nonsense buyers who just want the basics.
No matter which equipment package you choose, you’ll find the Ford Edge a capable performer, delivering good acceleration, impressive road manners and a very quiet interior. That the V6 models deliver strong performance is no surprise, but the 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder is a real eye-opener, delivering satisfying passing power while returning fuel economy in line with some mid-size sedans. On the road, the Edge cruises effortlessly, so much so you’ll need to keep an eye on the speedometer or risk a speeding ticket. The Edge’s steering effort is on the heavy side, but the car responds quickly to driver input and carves through curves at moderate speeds with surprising grace, especially in Sport trim. If there is a downside to driving the Edge, it’s the compromised rear visibility. The tall-side and narrow-side glass conspire to hide small objects close to the car’s sides and rear, a good reason to opt for the Blind Spot Information System and rearview camera.
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